Overview & Reviews

The Ford Explorer is widely regarded as the catalyst that started America's love affair with the SUV back in the early 1990s. Certainly there were SUVs before the Explorer, but they were mostly utilitarian in nature. The Explorer was the first go-to SUV for the Everyman. Throughout its life, the Ford Explorer has delivered versatility, a reasonable amount of comfort, affordability and, perhaps most importantly, more style than a station wagon or minivan. New or used, the justifiably popular Explorer should be part of any serious SUV search.

Current Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a large three-row SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers. There are four trim levels: base, XLT, Limited and Sport.

Though even the base version comes well-equipped, moving up the list provides luxuries such as leather seating, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry and upgraded audio systems. In addition to its potent engine, the Sport trim features a sport-tuned suspension as well as unique interior/exterior trim details. Optional highlights (depending on trim level) include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and even an automatic parallel-parking system. Stability control and a multitude of airbags are standard, with blind spot and collision warning systems available on upper trims.

A 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 is standard on all but the Sport trim, which comes with a turbocharged version good for 365 hp. Optional on all but the Sport is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. All engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the Sport, which has all-wheel drive standard. The latter is optional for all other Explorers equipped with the 290-hp V6.

In reviews, we've found the Ford Explorer to be one of the best choices for a family-oriented SUV. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. Fitted with most of its optional high-tech features, the Explorer is also one of the most advanced SUVs available, luxury brand or not. The Explorer's most notable downside is that it doesn't provide as much third-row and cargo space as some rival large crossover SUVs, and its MyFord Touch electronics interface can be finicky to use.

Used Ford Explorer Models
The current-generation Explorer bowed for 2011. Among the big changes was a switch from body-on-frame to unibody architecture for more carlike driving dynamics and improved space efficiency. Changes have been minimal since; the turbocharged four-cylinder engine wasn't offered until 2012, while the powerful Sport trim didn't debut until the following year.

The third-generation Explorer ran from 2002-'10. A longer wheelbase and an independent rear suspension allowed room for a fairly accommodating third-row seat while also improving ride and handling performance. A 210-hp V6 was joined by a new 4.6-liter 239-hp V8, and both were matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Initial trim levels included the XLS, XLT and more upscale Limited and Eddie Bauer.

For 2003, a few new trim levels debuted, including XLS Sport and the NBX (no boundaries experience -- we're not making that up). The latter came with all-terrain tires, special trim and a Yakima roof rack. An off-road package became available as well, complete with a beefed-up suspension and skid plates. The following year, equipment levels were shuffled, stability control was made available on most trims (previously it could only be had on V8 models) and Limited and Eddie Bauer models got a quad bucket seating option. The stability control system was upgraded with roll stability control for 2005.

For 2006, a substantial update took place that included revised styling inside and out, an improved frame, enhanced safety systems and a more powerful V8. The latter made 292 hp (up from the previous 239 hp) though the 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 continued unchanged. The V8 came paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Safety equipment was upgraded, too, as front-seat side airbags and stability control were made standard on all Explorers. More recent Explorers benefited from the arrival of the voice-activated Sync music/phone interface (2008) and a revised navigation system (2009).

In general we liked this Explorer and found value in the excellent ride and handling characteristics, comfortable and roomy cabin and, on V8 models, strong power and high towing capacity. Though later outclassed by newer crossover SUVs in terms of comfort and design, this Explorer is a solid pick, particularly if you plan to use a V8 model for towing.

Model years 1995-2001 represent the second generation Explorer. Though neither as refined nor as powerful as the generation that followed, this group is still a respectable choice for an SUV. For most of this generation's run, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 ('97 and later) and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited were the available trims, and there was a two-door Explorer known as the Sport. Editorial reviews of the time noted that the Explorer had a comfortable cabin and decent utility but fared poorly in terms of road handling and off-road ability.

The original Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II in Ford's lineup. It achieved instant success in a market that it ultimately defined, if not created. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer had the winning combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as the volume-selling four-door or a less popular two-door. Initially, just XLS and XLT trim levels were available. In 1992, an Eddie Bauer edition joined the lineup, and a Limited model followed shortly thereafter. For power, these Explorers had a 155-hp V6. Output went up slightly to 160 hp in 1993; this was also the year Ford made antilock brakes standard equipment.

User Reviews:

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  174 k and still like it - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By WL - April 19 - 6:02 am

  Bought it used for cheap off a Toyota dealership lot, with 100k already on it. Had to be talked into buying it by the salesman, and have never regretted it. Drove a 6 cylinder prior to the 8 cylinder. Grandma wont get on the freeway with the pathetically weak 6 cylinder. but the 8 cylinder hauls! Bad gas mileage, hard ride (as expected from an SUV?). Lots of features, the 3.73 rear-end (read:traction) even got me around on Texas "black ice" as good or better than the 4WDs were doing. Tows a 3500 pound boat ok too. Tranny rebuilt at 120k for $1600. Overall, could be a little more reliable I guess. Buy one cheap and replace the parts when they go bad. A good deal for the money. Havent been stranded yet.

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  Another Throttle Body Bites the Dust - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Concerned Explorer Owner - April 16 - 8:15 pm

  This time in Methuen, MA at 10K miles on my 2016 Ford Explorer XLT. Fortunately, I was travelling on back roads with no traffic. Throttle has been repaired already, however, after reading about repeat failures of the same, I am VERY concerned with when it might next fail. Come on Ford, [non-permissible content removed] before I or some member of my family, or any other unfortunate Explorer owner becomes a fatality.

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  Great car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Carter - April 15 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it. Knock on wood but it has been perfect! No problems with anything. I went to test drive a 2007 Tahoe yesterday and returned feeling like my Explorer was much easier to drive and will not be buying that Tahoe. I have absolutely no allegience to Ford or Chevy or anyone (my wife drives a BMW) but this car has been as trouble-free as my Honda was.

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  Review of 1999 Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Aleta Walker - April 15 - 9:30 pm

  I love my car. Through all the SUV tales of rollovers and the Firestone tire issue we survived and love this car. Only shortcoming is the view and comfort of the back seat. Ford should narrow the front seat headrests for better back seat views. Thank goodness Im usually the driver.

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  ford quality, poor - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rstignor - April 14 - 10:00 am

  we leased a 2002 xlt in june 01. had it in the shop 7 times thru december. finally got dealership to call ford rep & auth exchange of collateral. we have now had this one since dec 01 & it has been much better than the 1st one, but i am still not happy with the quality of this suv. for a $30,000 vehicle, i thought i was getting something & then to see the resale value plumit on top of it all. i am considering a honda on the next go-round. no more fords.

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  Not for little people - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pmm - April 13 - 3:30 am

  Bought this car from my sister for my husband. He was happy driving to work and home. My primary vehicle blew a rod in the engine so I had to drive this car for six months while I saved for a new car. I drive a lot and I am only 5 ft. tall. This car has got to be the most uncomfortable vehicle made. It has been very reliable but I need to be put in traction now, plus the $75-85 weekly gas bill I could have just skipped the experience and paid a car note (minus chiropractor bills) instead.

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  Drive Train Problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By fmcenery - April 8 - 10:00 am

  have had replaced the right rear bearing, and then the rear differential, and then the left rear bearing. Still sound like drive train problems. look to have more problems. love the rest of the car.

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  Ford Explorer, 1998 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By MaryRW - April 7 - 5:24 pm

  I like the Explorer and find it very comfortable and useful for hauling things around. However, it uses massive amounts of gas.

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  Green Explorer That Wouldnt - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Blue from VB - April 4 - 8:58 pm

  It is a roomy midsize SUV and the ride was car-like. It had a lot of nifty features as one would expect from a Ford that was not entry level, including a compass, temperature gauge, reclining front and rear seats, etc. The downside to it is when it goes it goes! In a twelve month period I spent almost $2,000 in maintenance ($900 for a heater core, $600 for a water pump 6 months later, then $500 for brakes and front tires). The vehicle left me stranded on two seperate occassions and I do my regularly scheduled maintenance on all of my vehicles. Fords service was subpar and it was the last Ford that I will buy!

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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By oxbow - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My 1996 Explorer has 118,000 miles on it and all I ever did to it was oil changes,shocks and brakes nothing else and it is still going strong.There is one thing I dont like is the rack and pinion steering it is to quick, Ill take gear box steering any day.Overall a great truck.